According to Andy McCullough of the Newark Star-Ledger, the next step calls for Granderson to begin swinging a bat. He’ll likely test himself in an extended spring training before going out on an official minor league rehab assignment, but the hope is that he’ll be ready to be activated around the middle of next month.

While the Yankees were considering moving Granderson to left field during spring training, he is expected to return as the full-time center fielder. Brett Gardner will simply slide over to left.

Granderson, 32, batted .232/.319/.492 with 43 home runs, 106 RBI and an .811 OPS last season. He’s due to become a free agent following the 2013 season.